Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Program Code
BSC

Program Faculty
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Academic Year
2025

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University's policies (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies).

Overview

This program allows students to explore diverse areas of science and encourages them to follow their emerging interests and scientific curiosity. Students design their own degree, choosing from a wide range of science courses according to their interests and strengths. In third year, students have the opportunity to choose at least one area of science to major in, which involves developing an in-depth understanding of this field. The program also provides students with the opportunity to acquire extensive transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical methods, laboratory and field techniques, teamwork, science communication and information technology.

The Bachelor of Science is an AQF Level 7 program with a standard full-time duration of 3 years.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by: 1.1 articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry 1.2 explaining the role and relevance of science in society.
  2. Exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by: 2.1 demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area 2.2 demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area.
  3. Critically analyse and solve scientific problems by: 3.1 gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources 3.2 designing and planning an investigation 3.3 selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation 3.4 collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data 3.5 demonstrating the cooperativity and effectiveness of working in a team environment.
  4. Be effective communicators of science by: 4.1 communicating scientific results, information, or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes, and using a variety of modes.
  5. Be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by: 5.1 being independent and self-directed learners 5.2 working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context 5.3 demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practicing ethical conduct.

Conditions

Interruption of program: Students must apply for permission from the Executive Dean or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.

Program Maximum Duration: As specified in Table 1 of the Coursework Academic Programs Policy, this program must be completed within a Maximum Duration which includes any periods of non-enrolment, leave of absence or approved study at other institutions for credit towards a Program.

Nuclear and Radiation Physics Major: Students admitted to the Bachelor of Science will be invited to apply for the opportunity to undertake the Nuclear and Radiation Physics major. Only students eligible for an Australian security clearance, who currently have a GPA of at least 5.0 will be eligible. Confirmation of the opportunity to undertake the major will be sent at the end of the semester prior to a student’s commencement of the first course restricted to the major, STEM 2500 Defence Industry and Security.

Academic Program Rules for Bachelor of Science

There shall be a Bachelor of Science.

Qualification Requirements

To qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units:

  1. Core course to the value of 3 units.
  2. Elective courses up to the value of 45 units which may include a second major.
  3. Broadening Electives to the value of 9 units.
  4. Level I courses to a maximum of 30 units.
  5. Level III Science courses to the value of at least 24 units.
  6. At least one major to the value of at least 24 units chosen from the following:
  • Biochemistry
  • Bioinformatics
  • Chemistry
  • Ecology and Environmental Science
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Experimental and Theoretical Physics
  • Genetics
  • Geology
  • Geology and Earth Resources
  • Geology and Geophysics
  • Geology and Palaeontology
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Nuclear and Radiation Physics
  • Palaeontology
  • Palaeontology and Evolution
  • Physics
  • Physics and Geophysics
  • Plant Biology
  • Pure and Applied Chemistry
  • Soil Science
  • Theoretical Physics

Note: A student who has completed a major in a Science discipline and also completes courses that fulfil requirements for a major as specified under the Academic Program Rules for the degree of Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, shall be awarded that Mathematical and Computer Sciences major in addition to the Science major.

Core Courses

Major

Electives